Chapter Nine
Nick stroked languidly down Zach’s back. “Well, I guess I have the answer to my question. Not that it was really a question, more an assumption.”
Zach craned his neck to look him in the eye. “I think sex has addled your brain. I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.”
“You’re not an asshole.”
Zach blinked. “Thanks… I think. Was that supposed to be another compliment? Because if so, we really have to work on your people skills.”
Nick chuckled. “Let me start that again. All this time, I thought you were an asshole, but you’re not. You’re a great guy who was simply pissed at how I treated you. I was so busy putting up barriers, launching salvos, that I didn’t give you a chance to show me what kind of man you are.”
Zach rolled on top of him, his legs slipping between Nick’s. “And now you’ve let me in?” His eyes sparkled. “Literally. Well, my fingers and tongue, at least.”
Nick laughed. “You’re nothing like I thought. Although… that optimistic streak of yours… Are you always like this?”
“Yup. Take me as you find me.”
In a flash, Nick flipped Zach onto his back, hooking his arms under Zach’s knees. “Then I’ll take you like this.” He rolled Zach’s ass up off the bed and spread his cheeks, stretching his hole.
Zach’s breathing hitched. “How long till dinner?”
Nick grinned. “Long enough.”
Zach buttoned up his shirt. “Is it really bad that I don’t want to have dinner with Mom and Lee?”
Nick walked up behind him and slid his hands under Zach’s shirt. “There’s always room service. Naked dinner sounds good right now.”
Oh God, it surely did. Zach turned in Nick’s arms, locking his around Nick’s neck. “Would they miss us? After all, they just got married. They’re not even going to notice us, let’s be honest here.” Except Zach knew he wouldn’t do that.
Nick kissed his neck, and Zach shivered. “I guess this is where we find out how good an actor you are,” Nick whispered.
“What do you mean?”
“Right now? You have this glowing, just-fucked look about you. I don’t want you walking into dinner and giving the game away.” Nick pulled back and looked him in the eye. “Unless you have this really open and honest relationship with your mom where you don’t keep secrets from her.”
Zach shuddered. There were some things he would not discuss with Mom.
“And then there’s the whole we’re-stepbrothers thing. That might freak them out,” Nick added.
Zach frowned. “But it’s not like we’re blood relatives, right?” Still, he guessed Nick had a point. “Yeah, you’re right. They don’t need to know.” He kissed Nick on the lips, before moving to his neck.
“Er, Zach?”
“Hmm?”
“If you’re going to finish getting dressed, you need to let go of me.”
Zach smiled. “Do you want me to let go?” Because Zach didn’t. Some part of him way down deep had this irrational fear that as soon as they stepped outside their room, the last few hours would magically disappear, and they’d revert back to how they’d been.
I want to hold onto this for as long as I can.
Reality was waiting for them back in Brooklyn, and he wasn’t anxious to make its acquaintance.
Nick lifted Zach’s chin with his fingers. “What’s wrong?”
He swallowed. “This.”
Nick stilled. “What we just did?”
Zach nodded. “Don’t get me wrong. I loved every second of it.
But… it can’t last, can it? Because sooner or later, we have to go home.
And who knows where you’ll end up next. You could be across the country, for all you know.
” When Nick stiffened Zach knew something was up. “Okay, what just crossed your mind?”
“Remember what you said? ‘Fuck it. We’ll deal with that when we get there’?
Well, we need to talk about this before we get there.
Because strictly speaking? We shouldn’t have done this.
You know that, right? Okay, I’m not a permanent manager, but I am there in a supervisory capacity. Your supervisor, to be exact.”
Zach gave him a frank stare. “Do you think maybe you should have considered that before you stuck your tongue in my ass? Because bringing it up now is kind of a barn door-horse bolted scenario. And in case you’re forgetting, I’m the one who came on to you.
The big bad boss didn’t coerce me. You didn’t bend me over your desk, even though you thought about it. ”
Nick’s eyes sparkled. “And Lord knows, I did that. A lot.”
That sent a tremor through Zach, until he recalled the seriousness of the situation. “So what do we do now? We can’t exactly turn back the clock.”
Nick kissed him softly on the mouth. “We’re two consenting adults. We both know the score. And you’re right, it’s a little late to worry about it now. But before we leave here, we’ll need to discuss what happens next. Right now, we have more important things to worry about.”
“Such as?”
Nick grinned. “We need to find some condoms.”
Zach scowled. “I am not walking into that shop in the lobby and buying a packet of condoms. That’s if they even have any.”
“Then I will. Only, I won’t be buying one packet.” Nick’s eyes glittered. “What else did you want to do while we wait for the blizzard to end?”
Zach couldn’t think of a better way to pass the time.
Don’t think about what’s coming. Enjoy what we have, right now.
He couldn’t give voice to what really worried him. Yes, he’d miss the sex, because based on the past few hours, they were definitely compatible in the bedroom. But more than that, he’d miss Nick.
I’m only just getting to know him. I don’t want to lose him.
Zach had a feeling they could be so much more.
“How? How did you get under my skin so goddamn fast?” he demanded. Because once the barriers had come down, it was as if they’d known each other for months.
Nick kissed his neck. “I don’t have an answer. I only know I’ve spent the last four months thinking about what we could have. And that was based on how you looked. Now I’ve gotten a glimpse of what lies beneath, it all adds up to someone I don’t want to lose.”
To hear his own thoughts echoed sent a shiver down Zach’s spine.
“I don’t want to lose you either.”
Nick stopped his words with a kiss, and Zach got the message. Not now.
Reality could wait a while longer.
“I’m glad to see you two have sorted out your differences.”
Nick frowned. “Excuse me?”
Dad wiped his lips with his napkin. “Oh, come on. You could’ve cut the tension at the restaurant with a knife. You’ve obviously cleared the air since then.”
Nick snuck a glance at Zach, who was keeping a straight face. “Yeah, we did.”
“I’m glad you two talked it out,” Becky commented. “Lee and I both want you to get along.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Zach said quickly. “We’re getting along just fine.” Then he returned his attention to his dessert, a flush creeping up his neck and cheeks.
Becky narrowed her gaze. “Zachary Tate.”
Zach jerked his head up. “You know I hate it when you call me that.”
She nodded. “Which is why I save it for special circumstances.”
“What circumstances?” Dad asked.
“When I get the feeling he’s either lying to me, or hiding something.” Her eyes glinted. “So which is it?”
Zach dropped his gaze to his plate. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” That tell-tale flush deepened, however.
Becky threw down her napkin. “Now I know there’s something going on. Look me in the eye and repeat that, mister.”
Nick was relieved not to be the one in the hot seat. Becky was more formidable than her appearance belied. It sounded as though Zach had gotten away with nothing when he was growing up.
Fuck it. Zach needs a hero.
“Before you give Zach any more of a grilling…” Nick gave him a warm glance before addressing Becky. “Look, it’s nothing heavy. It’s just that… Zach and I are kind of… involved, okay?” Nick took a drink from his water glass, his heartbeat speeding up.
Dad bit back a smile. “‘Involved’? And what’s that supposed to mean? Because from where I’m sitting, that sounds like you two are dating.”
Becky whipped her head to stare at him. “How can they date? They’re brothers.”
Dad coughed. “Honey? They’re stepbrothers. And while the idea of them… you know… might seem weird or awkward, it sure as hell isn’t incest.”
Nick gaped at him. “Oh my God, I can’t believe you went there.”
Dad cackled. “But I’m right, aren’t I? Christ, this takes me back.”
“Huh?” Nick was lost.
“That time you came home from college for a few days during Spring Break, and you brought your roommate with you. What was his name?” Dad gave a triumphant smile.
“Baz. That was it. And you two kept disappearing up to your room. After two days of not seeing you, I had it out with you. And you had that same look on your face.” He chuckled.
“Yeah, like I really believed he was teaching you to play chess.”
“He could’ve been!” Nick remonstrated.
“Oh yeah? Well, we didn’t have a chessboard! And I never heard chess being played with so many… sound effects.”
Zach burst out laughing. “Give it up, Nick. We’re not going to win with these two.” He took a breath. “Mom? Lee nailed it. Though I wouldn’t call it dating as such.” His gaze met Nick’s, and Nick’s chest tightened.
But he wants us to be.
Dammit, Nick wanted that too. The logistics would be the issue.
Becky’s brow furrowed. “Okay, if this is what you want, then I’m happy for you, but…”
“What’s on your mind?” Dad squeezed her hand.
She gave Nick a hard stare. “Are you allowed to be in a relationship with Zach? Aren’t there rules about such things? Because if this is going to lose Zach his job, I—”
“Zach is not going to lose his job, okay? I will make certain of that,” Nick assured her. He wasn’t about to reveal how little time they had left together in the same work environment, not when he hadn’t even told Zach.
“We have talked about this, Mom,” Zach said quietly. He glanced at Nick. “And we’re going to talk some more before we leave here.”
“It’s not just that,” Mom remonstrated. She squeezed Dad’s hand.
“We live in the same state. When you weren’t off on business, I was at your place, or you were at mine.
How are they going to make this work if Nick’s job sends him all over the country?
” She gave Nick a hard stare. “Where was your last job before this one?”
Fuck. “Nevada.”
Zach gaped. “Seriously? They sent you all the way over there?”
Nick hated Zach’s expression of pure misery.
“How long were you in Nevada for?” Becky pressed.
“Five months,” Nick said with a sigh.
Zach’s eyes widened. “This gets better and better. Was that a longer stretch than usual?”
His heart quaked. “The average is four months. Depends on how much work I have to do.” Watching Zach sag into his chair was torture.
That did it. Nick needed to talk to someone at Head Office, and sooner rather than later. He was under no illusions that this thing with Zach would work but if he walked away without finding out, he’d regret it for the rest of his life.
The coffee arrived, and Nick’s throat tightened as Zach stared into the black aromatic brew. This had become way more than just sex, and Nick knew it. He reached across the table for Zach’s hand, lacing their fingers. “We will make this work, okay? I’ll find a way.”
Becky’s soft aw filled the air.
Nick only had eyes for Zach. “I mean it. You have to trust me. I will find a way.” Even if he had to go on bended knee to the CEO of the company. They could keep him closer to home, right?
Except where was home?
Nick had a sneaking feeling it might be the man sitting next to him.
Zach pulled his hand free and pushed back his chair. “I think I’ll go to our room, if that’s okay.”
“Of course, sweetheart.” Becky gazed at him with troubled eyes.
“I’ll be up there when I’ve finished my coffee,” Nick told him.
Zach nodded before addressing Dad. “I’ll say goodnight. Let’s see what the weather brings tomorrow.”
“We’re all booked in until Sunday,” Dad said. “If the blizzard hasn’t moved on by then, I’ll talk to the manager, see if we can stay longer.”
Zach gave another nod, then walked away.
The way he’d freed his hand made Nick’s heart sink. He doesn’t believe me.
“Now you listen to me, Nicholas Brent.” Becky’s voice had an edge of steel. “You need to make this right. I know what that boy thought of you before this weekend—”
“So do I,” Nick interjected.
“And for him to change his mind like this, you must be someone pretty special.” Her eyes were hot. “So you’d better pull a rabbit out of the hat or something equally magical, because I never want to see that look on his face again, do you hear me?”
Nick gave his dad an are-you-going-to-let-her-talk-to-me-like-that?
look, and Dad folded his arms. “Uh-uh, I’m with Becky on this.
Your job is to go around clearing up other people’s messes.
Well, you’ve got a mess of your own that needs dealing with.
” Before Nick could respond, Dad held up his hands.
“I know you didn’t see this coming. That doesn’t matter.
Just tell me you weren’t blowing smoke when you said you could fix this. ”
Nick stared at him, aghast. “You think I’d lie to him?”
“I don’t know how you feel about him. I don’t know how much he means to you.
” Dad’s eyes were as hot as Becky’s. “But if you two could have something together, then pull out all the stops and make it work.” His gaze softened.
“For years, I was chasing what I lost when your mom passed. I didn’t find it, and I wasted a lot of time.
If I hadn’t met Becky, I’d still be looking, and paying out thousands in alimony.
” He laced his fingers with Becky’s. “This is who I was looking for, and I’m never going to let her go.
So if you think Zach could be who you’re looking for, hold onto him. ”
Nick got up from the table. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to send an email.” He had to do something while his resolve was at its strongest.
Dad blinked. “Now?”
Nick smiled. “If you knew where it was going, you’d be telling me to get on with it.”
“Then go! Send it.”
“Nick? I didn’t mean to sound so harsh.” Becky’s chin quivered.
Nick went over to her and bent low to kiss her cheek. “You said what you needed to. Now I’ll go do what I need to.” He walked out of the restaurant, in search of a quiet corner where he could collect his thoughts. This needed careful consideration.
And then I’ll go see Zach, and do whatever it takes to make him smile again.